Bacterial conjunctivitis

Low urgency
Common-

Inflammation of the layer that lines the whitish part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids known as the conjunctiva.

In this case it is caused by a bacterial infection.

The affected eye is red and teary, has yellow or greenish rheum that appears mainly in the morning, and sensitivity to the light as well.

It is diagnosed through the clinical history and an eye's examination.

It is treated with local antibiotic in eye drops and cleansing of the rheum with lukewarm water.

Bibliographic references
  1. Deborah S Jacobs, MD. Conjunctivitis. UpToDate. Aug 22, 2016.
  2. Rose PW, Harnden A, Brueggemann AB, et al. Chloramphenicol treatment for acute infective conjunctivitis in children in primary care: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2005; 366:37.
  3. Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, van Schayck CP, et al. Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; :CD001211.
  4. Pardiñas-Pérez MR, Alonso Martín L, Sepúlveda Berrocal MA, Hernández de Francisco L. Ojo Rojo. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 1161-1166.
  5. Horton JC. Trastornos de los ojos. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición: 199
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Eyelid stuck together when you wake up


    Discharge of fluid from the eye


    Significant eye watering


    Redness in only one eye


    Both eyes red

Symptoms to watch out for

Symptom persistence for more than two weeks after the initial treatment
Loss of vision
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Avoid rubbing the eyes.
Apply local cold in the area of the lesion 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Use artificial or antihistaminic drops for the eyes.
Discontinue the use of contact lenses.
Check with your general practitioner about the prescription for antibiotics.